Echoing cries from the community, Marsh (Taitano) calls for DPR to cut pool contract

Citing poor maintenance of Guam's two public pools, Committee Chair Sen. Kelly Marsh(Taitano) is calling for the Department of Parks and Recreation to terminate its contract with Canton Construction Corp.

In a letter to DPR Director Rich Ybanez, she says that the agency must hold the contractor accountable in keeping the pool open and safe. It was during the Feb. 7 oversight hearing that many from the swimming community spoke out about the contractor. Chris Duenas , DPR Board Member and Ed Ching, Guam Swimming Federation president testified at the hearing.

"If he is unable to repair the pool, at which he was granting that funding, to prepare the pool, nor is he relevant enough to operate it, then I think we need to find a new maintenance and a new source," Duenas said. "It's not a source of funding, it's a new pump. We need someone new to install that. I think Canton has done a disservice to everyone here who is a taxpayer."

"A two-year contract, at several thousands of dollars a month, and the pool is not in operation," ching said. "I think they owe us some money. In my opinion, the contractor doesn't know what he's doing. It's a construction contractor. Does he really know how to run the pool? They said they're certified, I don't know."

According to Marsh (Taitano), DPR's only certified pool expert was re-assigned last October by the administration to Department of Public Works. In the letter, she urges that they immediately return to DPR adding that the re-occurring closure of the pool does not encourage the public confidence in DPR's abilities to manage the pool. Concerned citizen Fred Black and Frank Flores, swim team parent also testified during the oversight hearing.

"Why did we have one contractor," he questioned. "Why did one key employee who was in parks and rec related to the contractor, why has he suddenly been transferred? Fire this contractor. And determine if there's some inappropriate relationship between the contractor or someone in the department, someone in the government. And we need to see if this contractor is still getting paid. That's unacceptable."

On Monday, the Division of Environmental Health inspected the Dededo Pool and in an assessment report it was noted that the pool will remain closed until imminent health hazards are addressed and approval from Public Health is obtained. Marsh (Taitano) closes out her letter to Ybanez with stern direction, "Make no mistake, neither the Legislature or the public is satisfied with DPR's performance or explanations regarding its management of the pools. It is, therefore, incumbent upon you to take immediate action to resolve this matter and open the pools."

The continuation of the oversight hearing is this Friday at 5:15 p.m. Marsh (Taitano) has instructed to DPR to ensure the contractor is in attendance because the public deserves answers.